The effect of hearing ability on dual-task performance following multi-domain training in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: findings from the SYNERGIC trial.

Background: Hearing loss is one of the largest potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia and is linked with poor cognitive-motor dual-task performance (e.g., walking while performing a cognitive task). Hearing loss is more prevalent and severe in males, whereas dementia is more prevalent in f...

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Publicado en:Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience pp. 1 - 20
Autores principales: Downey, Rachel I., Petersen, Berkley J., Mohanathas, Niroshica, Campos, Jennifer L., Montero-Odasso, Manuel, Bherer, Louis, Pichora-Fuller, M. Kathleen, Bray, Nick W., Burhan, Amer M., Camicioli, Richard, Fraser, Sarah, Liu-Ambrose, Teresa, Lussier, Maxime, Middleton, Laura E., Pieruccini-Faria, Frederico, Phillips, Natalie A., Li, Karen Z. H.
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Frontiers Media S.A. 2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: 2026
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      pub: Frontiers Media S.A.
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        10.3389/fnagi.2025.1716733
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        atl: The effect of hearing ability on dual-task performance following multi-domain training in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: findings from the SYNERGIC trial.
      aug:
        au:
          Downey, Rachel I.
          Petersen, Berkley J.
          Mohanathas, Niroshica
          Campos, Jennifer L.
          Montero-Odasso, Manuel
          Bherer, Louis
          Pichora-Fuller, M. Kathleen
          Bray, Nick W.
          Burhan, Amer M.
          Camicioli, Richard
          Fraser, Sarah
          Liu-Ambrose, Teresa
          Lussier, Maxime
          Middleton, Laura E.
          Pieruccini-Faria, Frederico
          Phillips, Natalie A.
          Li, Karen Z. H.
        affil: Department of Psychology/Centre for Research in Human Development, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
      sug:
        subj:
          Mild Cognitive Impairment Rehabilitation
          Treatment Outcomes Evaluation
          Multitasking Behavior
          Task Performance and Analysis
          Physical Performance Evaluation
          Hearing Disorders
          Human
          Funding Source
          Male
          Female
          Aged
          Secondary Analysis
          Aerobic Exercises
          Resistance Training
          Cognition
          Sex Factors
          Gait Analysis
          Hearing Screening
          Audiometry, Pure-Tone
          Descriptive Statistics
          Data Analysis Software
          Neuropsychological Tests
          Aged: 65+ years
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background: Hearing loss is one of the largest potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia and is linked with poor cognitive-motor dual-task performance (e.g., walking while performing a cognitive task). Hearing loss is more prevalent and severe in males, whereas dementia is more prevalent in females. Physical exercise and cognitive interventions appear promising in improving dual-tasking in older adults; however, it is currently unclear whether hearing ability affects training efficacy on dual-task outcomes in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and whether sex influences this effect. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to examine whether hearing ability affects dual-task performance at baseline and after training in individuals with MCI, and whether sex further influences these relationships, irrespective of intervention arm. Methods: Secondary data was analysed from 75 participants with MCI (Mage = 73.66 ± 6.67) enrolled in the SYNERGIC trial. Hearing ability was assessed using self-report and behavioral measures. Participants completed a 20-week intervention: (1) Exercise (aerobic-resistance exercise + sham cognitive training; n = 31), (2) Multi-Domain Training (aerobic-resistance exercise + cognitive training; n = 32), or (3) Placebo Training (balance and toning exercises + sham cognitive training; n = 12). Primary outcomes included dual-task gait and cognitive performance. Results: At baseline, poorer hearing predicted worse dual-task performance, particularly in males. Dual-task gait variability significantly improved following Multi-Domain Training in participants with a greater degree of self-reported hearing complaints. Sex-stratified analyses revealed that females with more hearing complaints improved more across all interventions, while in the Multi-Domain group, males with poorer objective hearing and females with better hearing showed the greatest gains. Additionally, in those with poorer hearing, lower cognitive scores (MoCA) predicted greater improvements after Multi-Domain Training, but a decline after Placebo Training. Conclusion: Hearing ability, sex, and cognitive status appear to interact to influence the effects of exercise and cognitive training on dual-task performance in older adults with MCI. Multi-Domain Training appears particularly beneficial for those with hearing loss (who are male and/or have lower cognitive status), highlighting the need for personalized interventions to preserve function and slow decline in this at-risk population. Clinical trial registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02808676, NCT02808676.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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